By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick ChicksDirector of Communications - Nevada Film Alliancehttp://www.theflickchicks.com

Vegas Happenings

Celebrity Journalist Robin Leach Dies

Robin Leach, the British born celebrity journalist, who gained fame in the U.S. as the host of the popular syndicated TV series “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” (that ran from 1984-1995), passed away on Friday, August 24. He was 76. Leach had been hospitalized since last November after suffering a stroke while vacationing in Mexico. According to a statement by his family, his health had been poor for the past 10 months. He died after suffering a second stroke.

Robin Leach - Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Leach moved to Las Vegas in the 90's and had been covering local entertainment events as a columnist for the Las Vegas Review Journal. I had bumped shoulders and chatted with the reporter at many events. I, along with the rest of the entertainment community, are saddened to learn of his passing. Leach is survived by his sons Steven, Gregg and Rick.

Leach was known for his signature catchphrase “Champagne wishes and caviar dreams” that he used in closing each episode of his TV show. With that in mind, it would seem appropriate to say “wishing you the same in the afterlife, Robin”.

Winner of America’s Got Talent, magician Mat Franco celebrated the third anniversary of his award-winning show, MAT FRANCO –MAGIC REINVENTED NIGHTLY, Friday, Aug. 24 in the Mat Franco Theater at The LINQ Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Mat and the crew commemorated the milestone performance backstage with champagne and cupcakes before the show, which was attended by a packed house of enthusiastic guests.

Mat Franco’s immersive live show features unique feats of illusion that include mind reading and sleight of hand card tricks that leaves audiences awe-struck and wondering “How did he do that?. With his signature interactive magic as seen on TV, and never-before-seen creations, the young magician is redefining the genre.

MAT FRANCO – MAGIC REINVENTED NIGHTLY performs Thursday - Friday at 7 p.m. with an additional 9:30 p.m. performance on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and is DARK Wednesday and Thursday. The performance schedule is subject to change without notice. Ticket prices start at $45 and a VIP Experience is available with a $50 upgrade on any section plus all applicable fees, per person. The VIP Experience includes a personal meet & greet and photo with Mat Franco directly following the performance, a VIP laminate, a signed keepsake souvenir and a complimentary beverage; subject to availability and schedule change. Tickets can be purchased in-person at The LINQ Theater box office.

TREVI Italian Restaurant, located inside of The Forum Shops at Caesars, hosted its fourth annual media pizza making competition, featuring local media personalities competing for charity on Thursday, Aug. 30. Media contestants included Rachel Smith, co-host of the MORE Show on FOX 5; Courtney Perna, co-host of Las Vegas NOW on KLAS; Shaun Burgess, Digital Content Producer for Vegas.com; and Jason Harris, contributor to VEGAS Magazine and Las Vegas Weekly. Each participant worked with TREVI’s Executive Chef, Jose Navarro, to create a one-of-a-kind pizza using individually-selected ingredients.

The pizzas were judged on taste, creativity and presentation by a panel of local celebrity judges including Mariah Rivera of FANTASY, Miss Nevada USA 2018 Carolina Urrea and James Davis of Chippendales. The winner received $500, donated by Landry’s Inc., the parent company of TREVI Italian Restaurant, to donate to a charity of their choice.

Las Vegas NOW anchor, Courtney Perna, took first place in the media competition with a creative pizza titled, “Gettin’ Figgy With It,” made with fig spread, rosemary, balsamic reduction, garlic and herb Boursin cheese, shredded parmesan, red onion and bacon, then topped with arugula and pear. The donation will benefit Best Buddies Nevada, a nonprofit organization of volunteers that create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Candlelighters Childhood Foundation of Nevada, the State’s first and oldest nonprofit organization serving local children and their families battling pediatric cancer, and Clark County Commissioners Susan Brager and Marilyn Kirkpatrick came together on Thursday, August 30, to launch the nonprofit organization’s annual shineGOLD campaign in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Candlelighters families, community leaders and the public gathered at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign to turn the iconic landmark gold to draw awareness to the cause.

Candlelighters Childhood Foundation of Nevada

In addition to illuminating the sign, Clark County Commissioners recognized Candlelighters for 40 years of service to the community providing emotional support, quality of life programs and financial assistance to children and their families.

Candlelighters Childhood Foundation of Nevada

As Nevada’s premier childhood cancer organization, Candlelighters leads the shineGOLD campaign which is designed to help spread awareness about the devastating impact childhood cancer has on families and encourages the community to offer support. Additional shineGOLD illumination events are planned to take place across the city throughout the month of September along with a number of fundraising programs including the Superhero 5K, which takes place Saturday, Sept.15.

Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

Tuesday afternoon, August 28, QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT made their grand entrance into Las Vegas by private jet at the MGM Resorts aviation hangar. Immediately after arriving, Brian May, Roger Taylor and Adam Lambert headed straight inside to a press conference to speak about their new Las Vegas show, “The Crown Jewels.” Also, in attendance were Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts International and Kurt Melien, president of Live Nation Las Vegas.

Queen + Adam Lambert will rock the Las Vegas Strip with a 10-date limited engagement, “The Crown Jewels,” at Park Theater at Park MGM. Shows are scheduled for September 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 19, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets ranging in price from $79 to $350, as well as a limited number of On-Stage seats, are on sale now.

Queen + Adam Lambert have come a long way since first sharing a stage for the “American Idol” finale in May 2009. The critically acclaimed creative partnership has since proved to be a global phenomenon, having played more than 150 shows in all corners of the world. Filling stadiums and festivals, Queen + Adam Lambert’s awe-inspiring show has drawn across-the-board rave notices.

NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION, the agency charged with overseeing Nevada’s eight institutions of higher learning, is proud to announce it has a NEW LOGO that was CREATED BY VIVEK BHARDWAJ, a student majoring in information systems at the University of Nevada, Reno The logo was selected from 66 designs submitted by students from schools throughout the NSHE system via a system-wide design competition. The winning logo received approval at the Aug. 24 Board of Regents meeting in Las Vegas. Bhardwaj’s logo was one of three finalists considered by the Board of Regents. According to Bhardwaj, his design uses five stars to represent the five strategic goals of NSHE. The first point is represented by the graduation cap atop the state, and growth is symbolized in the sweeping lines created by the placement of the stars. These lines also move viewers’ eyes from left to right of the first line of the text. In addition to the honor of having his work selected to represent NSHE for years to come, Bhardwaj will receive a $2000 cash prize provided by NSHE.

MJ LIVE, the world’s most successful Michael Jackson tribute concert, invites fans to commemorate the life of the King of Pop who would have turned 60 years old on August 29, with the "THRILL" PACKAGE, a limited-time only bundle that includes one show ticket, an attractions pass and buffet voucher at Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower. The "Thrill" package is priced at $54.95, plus taxes and ticketing fees.The “Thrill” package promotion applies to all MJ LIVE performances, which performs at 7 p.m. nightly. The "Thrill" package and other show tickets can be purchased at the Stratosphere Ticket Center.

VIRGILS REAL BBQ at The LINQ Promenade will celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month with a bourbon tasting class each Friday throughout September. A bourbon specialist will educate guests on tasting techniques as well as how to properly pair the spirit with signature barbecue dishes. The COMPLIMENTARY CLASSES take place every 30 minutes on Fridays between 3 - 5 p.m.

This Fall, Carlos Santana continues his residency at House of Blues Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino with a CELEBRATORY TICKET OFFER FOR LOCALS IN HONOR OF WOODSTOCK'S 49th ANNIVERSARY. Locals purchasing tickets for the remaining 2018 dates can purchase a general admission ticket to AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH SANTANA: GREATEST HITS LIVE for just $49*, plus applicable taxes and fees, with the code WOODSTOCK. Doors open at 7 p.m.*Tickets are limited and must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance and are available at the House of Blues Box Office with the code and valid Nevada ID.

Fill SAFE NEST’s pantry by donating unexpired, non-perishable canned food, paper goods, and baby items and RECEIVE $2 OFF ADMISSION to the 46th ANNUAL LAS VEGAS HARVEST FESTIVAL ORIGINAL ARTS & CRAFT SHOW, Sept. 7-9, at its new location at World Market Center, Pavilion 2 (209 S. Grand Central Pkwy). An arts and crafts tradition in Las Vegas, the Harvest Festival opens at 10 a.m. and is open until 5 p.m. on Friday and Sunday and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Proceeds are also donated to SafeNest, which provides a confidential shelter for victims and their children fleeing domestic violence, when you purchase a bag for your belongings and utilize the bag check area during the event. For all three days, SafeNest volunteers and staff will sell bags for $1 each and check bags for a donation of $1 per bag. Tickets for Las Vegas Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show are available at the door and are $9 for adults, $7 for seniors 62+, $4 for young adults 13-17 years old, and kids under 12 are free. $7 for active and retired military or veterans with military ID.

LIFE TIME ATHLETIC SUMMERLIN, located at 10721 W. Charleston Blvd., invites members and nonmembers alike to experience a night in Old Havana during its “HAVANA NIGHTS” THEMED PARTY starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8. The sizzling poolside event will feature dancing, live entertainment and Cuban-inspired appetizers. Attendees will enjoy breathtaking fire dancers who will bring a tropical Cuban flair to the event while dancing to a DJ who will set the mood with sultry Latin music and more. Havana Nights is COMPLIMENTARY for Life Time MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS who are the age of 21 and older. Those interested may RSVP by contacting calling Life Time Athletic Summerlin at 702.228.2611

The world-famous RACE & SPORTS SUPERBOOK at WESTGATE RESORT & CASINO will host THE NATION RED ZONE VIEWING PARTY Monday, September 10, at 4 p.m. The Nation Red Zone Viewing Party will give football fans the opportunity to watch two games and meet “The Nation” greats Jerry Porter, and Bob Golic. Game one kickoff – 4:10 p.m. Football legends meet and greet – 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Game two kickoff – 7:20 p.m. The Nation Red Zone Viewing Party is FREE and open to all ages. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

THE DISTRICT AT GREEN VALLEY RANCH invites the community to attend its FALL CONCERT SERIES featuring talented local bands. Held at the shopping center every Friday and Saturday evening, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. from September 7th through September 29th. The concerts will be held in the Courtyard off Main Street, 2225 Village Walk Drive and are FREE and open to the public. The concert dates and performers are: September 7: Jessica Manalo (Indie/Soul); September 8: Richard Mann (Americana/Folk); September 14: Cameron Calloway (R&B); September 15: Matt Matelko (Folk Rock; September 21: Richard Cooper (Soul/Rock); September 22: Miles van Blarcom (Americana/Country); September 28: Maral Vegas (Pop/Rock); September 29: TJ Gage (Solo Acoustic).

BEAUTY BAR Las Vegas, located at 517 Fremont St., # A, in Downtown Las Vegas, will host the OLD SCHOOL VEGAS REUNION led by DJ Frankie and R.O.B., pioneers of the Las Vegas nightclub scene, on Friday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. DJ Frankie and R.O.B. created and will headline the special Old School Reunion event that celebrates the hip hop, electro and dance music that established the legendary Las Vegas night club scene 35 years ago. They will join Beauty Bar’s own DJ David Christian in providing the music for the special event. Tickets for the special event are $5 at the door before 9 p.m.

This season, football gets a side of soul with SUNDAY FOOTBALL PARTIES from the home openers to the Big Game at HOUSE OF BLUES RESTAURANT & BAR AND B SIDE beginning on Sunday, Sept. 9. Guests can enjoy all the gridiron glory on multiple hi def screens complete with weekly prizes and end of season giveaways including Beats by Dre headphones, mini iPads, Las Vegas Raiders tickets, and much more. There is no cover to party at the House of Blues, but reservations are encouraged.

The LAS VEGAS COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT, with the help of Disney Pixar’s The Incredibles, is celebrating LIBRARY CARD SIGN UP MONTH IN SEPTEMBER with several activities, including Superhero Costume Week (Sept 16-22) at branches, where kids and families are encouraged to dress up in their favorite superhero costume or one of their own design at library story times.. Every child who attends storytime that week will get a special certificate with their name on it to take home, whether or not they dress-up. In addition, the Library District is inviting the public to stop by their neighborhood branch to get their new library card and enter to win a limited edition #GetCarded Library Tote Bag. Simply fill out a comment card as to “why their library card is incredible,” and post it on the Incredibles board displays in each branch. Participants of all ages are eligible to win! Valley residents are encouraged to #GetCarded and unlock all of the superpowers that a library card possesses, including free access to millions of library resources, both online at LVCCLD.org and in any library branch.

ANIMAZING GALLERY at Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian® and The Palazzo® Las Vegas continue their collaboration with the DOWNTOWN ARTS DISTRICT by helping to support and bring awareness to the Las Vegas art community. The third in a quarterly series of events called ART CONNECT showcases one local downtown artist each quarter. The much-anticipated event, to be held Friday, September 14th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m, will feature artist Alex P. Huerta, who currently owns and runs his own studio and gallery, Peacenart Studio, located in The Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas. To commemorate the evening, Huerta will have exclusive artwork available at Animazing Gallery during the event.

On September 16th, the “NEW AMERICAN ROAD TRIP” will make its way into Las Vegas joined by Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action and Antonique Smith, actress, Grammy-nominated singer and Think 100%: Coolest Show on Climate Change co-host.

“The New American Road Trip” – an electric-vehicle tour across America, will journey from California to New York over 10 days in September to highlight the stories of the people, cities and emerging technologies that are fulfilling America’s Pledge on climate change, creating jobs and economic prosperity while reducing climate pollution and ensuring our country’s clean energy future. The event in Las Vegas will begin at 3:00 PM at the Circus Circus Hotel & Resort. As part of the tour, “The New American Road Trip” will award $10,000 to local innovators who are addressing climate change in the Las Vegas community. This event is free and open to public.

Adult film star, entrepreneur and former registered nurse, KENDRA LUST will celebrate her birthday at award-winning gentlemen’s club, CRAZY HORSE 3, located at 3525 W. Russell Rd., with a sexy bash starting at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.

Also, CRAZY HORSE 3 will celebrate National Twerk Day with adult film actress, JUELZ VENTURA, who will aim to set a new Guinness World Record with a late-night “TWERKATHON” on Saturday, Sept. 15.

THE+ SOURCE with dispensaries at 9480 S. Eastern Blvd. in Henderson, Nev. and 2550 S. Rainbow Blvd. in Las Vegas, will offer discounts in honor of the 2018 Women’s Fitness, Bikini and Figure Olympia competition from Friday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 15. The+Source will offer a 10 PERCENT DISCOUNT to patients and recreational users with Olympia credentials. Badge-holders may also increase their discount to a maximum of 20 percent when combined with existing discounts offered by The+Source.

Comedian, actress, writer and producer WHITNEY CUMMINGS is returning to Las Vegas for four special headline performances at the world-famous Comedy Cellar inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Cummings will perform 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. sets on Monday, Sept. 17 through Tuesday, Sept. 18 and return Monday, Nov. 12 through Tuesday, Nov. 13. Show times are 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $45 plus applicable taxes and fees for general admission. Tickets for Las Vegas locals with a valid ID are $25 plus applicable taxes and fees. All tickets can be purchased in-person at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office. Guests must be 18 years or older.

Magician MURRAY SAWCHUCK closed his 4 p.m. show at Planet Hollywood. His last performance in the Sin City Theatre was Aug. 20. Rumor has it he will be moving into another venue by the end of October.

KEEP MEMORY ALIVE invites guests to the inaugural TEXAS HOLD 'EM CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT hosted by casino legend Jack Binion on Friday, Sept. 21. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the event will take place at the stunning Keep Memory Alive Event Center to raise funds and awareness for the patients and caregivers at CLEVELAND CLINIC LOU RUVO CENTER FOR BRAIN HEALTH. Not only will guests be able to rub elbows with Jack Binion, but with their $500 buy-in, they’ll have the chance to try their luck at the poker tables, roulette wheel, and silent auction alongside other luminaries, including: Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, Poker Hall of Fame inductee, two-time World Series of Poker Main Event Champion, and winner of ten overall bracelets at the WSOP; Daniel “Kid Poker” Negreanu, Poker Hall of Fame inductee, and six-time WSOP bracelet winner; Barry Shulman, two-time WSOP bracelet winner, and author; Jack McClelland, Poker Hall of Fame inductee, and longtime WSOP and World Poker Tour tournament director; Jon Taffer, entrepreneur and television personality. The tournament is open to all players 21 and older from beginner to advanced skill levels. Registration is encouraged by Friday, Sept. 14.

The Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino and LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL announce three exclusive concerts during the official daytime, rooftop pool parties at the Citrus Grand Pool Deck featuring live performances by Life is Beautiful artists ELDERBROOK, SIR SLY, and COLD WAR KIDS, Friday – Sunday, September 21-23. Doors open at 10 a.m. Tickets to pool parties are limited and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. RSVP required for ticket opportunity but does not guarantee entry. Attendees must show eventbrite ticket at the door for first-come, first-serve, entry advantage. All entry based on occupancy. Events are 21+ over.

THE LAS VEGAS MEN'S CHORUS will perform a new concert, “THIS IS ME’ a musical experience like no other, about the ups and downs of growing into adulthood and singing music as it relates to life at all ages. Under the direction of Mr. Ryan Duff, 2017 Heart of Education award recipient, the Chorus will sing arrangements of the most iconic songs, including songs popularized by Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, Queen and many more. The Concert will be held Sunday,September 23 at 4 p.m. in the Winchester Cultural Center Theater at 3010 McLeod Drive near Desert Inn Road.

MOTT 32, one of Hong Kong’s most award-winning restaurants and a culinary icon in contemporary Chinese cuisine, will open its first U.S. outpost this winter, bringing their Eastern concept West to The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. The acclaimed menu combines authentic Chinese recipes handed down from generations with progressive cooking techniques.

STRATOSPHERE CASINO HOTEL & TOWER has announced a complete makeover of its guest rooms with remodeled décor, new furniture and new amenities. The first phase of the remodel, the new ‘Elevate’ series is comprised of three floors totaling 252 rooms.

Openings:

The latest evolution of the sports book and bar experience is set to debut at The LINQ Hotel & Casino early September with the opening of THE BOOK. Enhancing the traditional sports book model wherein guests and fans merely gathered to watch sports and bet on gaming action, The Book is designed for guests to take FULL control of their gaming odyssey. With innovative technology, mobile and self-serve opportunities, and plenty of sports and bar games to engage in, The Book promises to be immersive, socially-driven and unapologetically now.

THE LUCY, a first-of-its-kind creative community is coming to Downtown Las Vegas. Designed to join modern urban living with spaces to congregate, create and communicate, The Lucy will feature a three-story complex of 12 condominiums housed atop the newly reimagined and relocated bookstore The Writer's Block. The brainchild of local philanthropist and patron of the arts Beverly Rogers, and derived from the Latin word for light, The Lucy will welcome visiting literary fellows from Black Mountain Institute at UNLV; the Rogers Art Loft - an artist-in-residence program curated in tandem with The Rogers Foundation by Patrick Duffy, President/CEO of Nevada School of the Arts; The Writer’s Block Book Shop and Coffee Shop; and a cadre of individuals as residents who publish, read, create or just want to bask in the joy of living among other creative types. With completion expected in fall/winter 2018, The Lucy brings a convergence of creativity to the corner of 6th and Bonneville.

Celebrity sightings:

Sunday night, September 2...

Following an engagement and birthday in Cabo, Lala Kent and Randall Emmett boarded a private jet to Las Vegas on a spontaneous trip to continue the celebration with Lala’s Vanderpump Rules castmates. The newly betrothed couple joined Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, Tom Sandoval, Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz for dinner at TAO. The night continued at Marquee, where Lala and Randall’s engagement photo displayed on the club’s 40 foot LED screen greeted the group upon arrival.

Actress Leslie Mann and her husband, filmmaker Judd Apatow were spotted enjoying dinner with friends at Beauty & Essex in The Cosmopolitan while Perez Hilton dined at TAO in The Venetian.

Earlier in the day Nas had lunch in a cabana at Marquee Dayclub while DJ Fedde Le Grand manned the decks.

Thursday afternoon, August 30...

Singer/songwriter Jack Johnson purchased a vintage guitar at Beauty & Essex’s pawn shop inspired retail store. He took home an Eastwood Airline ’59 Coronado Metallic blue guitar in advance of his performance at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. He wrapped up his afternoon checking out Marquee Dayclub.

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We, at Las Vegas Round the Clock, are deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred in our city on Sunday evening, October 1, 2017 and send our deepest condolences, healing prayers and love to the victims, their families, and all those affected by the tragedy.